Accessible Information & Communication Technology (ICT)

Under Kentucky law, the head of each covered entity (i.e. the state and other state-assisted organizations) shall ensure that all information technology equipment and software it uses for employees, program participants and the general public, will provide individuals with disabilities with access “that is equivalent to the access provided individuals who are not disabled” (KRS 61.982).

As a means of determining conformity with this provision, Kentucky law further defines that the level of access provided by covered entities must be in compliance with section 255 of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 access standards (36 C.F.R. 1194).

Although Kentucky’s Accessible Information Technology (AIT) law was passed in April of 2000, few covered entities are aware of its implications. It is unclear if formal policies have been formulated to help deal with this issue.

To be clear, all telecommunications, electronic and information technology products, services, and applications including web sites, which are procured, developed, or maintained by covered entities, including state and state-assisted organizations, shall comply with federal Section 508 Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards, 36 CFR Part 1194, and/or federal Telecommunications Act Accessibility Guidelines, 36 CFR Part 1193, as applicable, as minimum criteria for accessibility.

Any contract for the procurement of information or telecommunication technology by, or for the use of, a covered entity, as defined in KRS 61.890(4), shall include a Technology Access Clause which shall be in compliance with section 255 of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 access standards (36 C.F.R. 1194) and shall establish alternative, including non-visual, access standards for use in the procurement of information technology by covered entities.

Accessible ICT Resources